STOCKTON (CBS13) – One stay-at-home mom’s solution to her boredom is to try and get a job with the Stockton Police Department as one of hundreds joining to make the streets safer.

Hundreds of people began the process to join the force that patrols some of the toughest streets in the nation. Despite the city’s soaring crime rate, about 1,300 people showed up for a shot to get hired with the Stockton Police Department.

“I’m excited,” said Jenna Larking.

Larking is chasing her dream of becoming a Stockton police officer. The 40-year-old mother of two is ready to leave her job as a stay-at-home mom and vie for an open police position.

“Now I’m just getting bored, so I want to get back into it,” said Larkin.

She spent more than a decade in the Air Force and hopes her military law enforcement background will land her a job.

A mass exodus of seasoned officers left the cash-strapped department short-handed. So, the city needs to hire 17 officers before federal grant money kicks in to pay for more positions.